The feasibility of suppressing ovarian activity following the end of amenorrhoea by increasing the frequency of suckling

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of suppressing ovarian activity by increasing the frequency of suckling episodes. METHOD: Prospective study was carried out with 19 exclusively breastfeeding volunteers. Ten subjects (experimental group) increased the suckling episodes by minimum 50% per day from the beginning of the first postpartum menses. Nine controls continued breastfeeding as before. Estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH and prolactin were measured in blood samples, drawn twice a week up to the second postpartum menses or for 60 days, by RIA. Student's t-test was employed. RESULT: The higher suckling frequency prevented ovulation in 7 of 10 cases examined according to the plasma progesterone concentration (<9.5 nmol/l). Significantly higher average prolactin value could also be found in the experimental group (1038 (527) munits/l vs. 518 (245) munits/l; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that an earlier initiation of the increase in breastfeeding frequency may delay the resumption of ovulation. Frequent, full time lactation may reduce the risk of pregnancy.